Friday First: "Goes Black" Video by Big Ups

This week’s Friday First highlights the latest video from Brooklyn post-hardcore act Big Ups, who are readying the release of their debut full-length, Eighteen Hours of Static. “Goes Black” is one of our very favorite tracks of 2013, and thankfully, its accompanying video does not disappoint. Friday First is a weekly column that features new releases from both local and national bands.

As we learned during CMJ this year, Big Ups’ live shows are intense, confrontational experiences marked by moments of spontaneity and juxtaposing feelings of both humor and depression. Singer Joe Galaragga is an in-your-face style frontman, literally. First, he’s crouching behind amps like a punk rock Gollum; then he’s creeping into the crowd, looking you straight in the eye as he spews his words. “I feel like I’ve led a pretty happy life/Then how come all I can remember is the strife?” he begs on “Goes Black,” and its video brilliantly mimics the same raw, anxious atmosphere of the band’s live performances. Grimy and abrasive, “Goes Black” is pretty much essential viewing.